The Christmas Holiday Season brings retailers 25% and more of their yearly sales. It's safe to assume the month of January most likely shows the highest consumer credit card balances. As impulse buying often times is the culprit in charging more than we planned, it's easy to see how one could get carried away during the 'season of giving...

Whether you are a new entrepreneur or a more experienced business owner, taking control of your finances can feel like a part-time job. Some simple tips can help you streamline your time, organize your finances and reduce the stress of business money matters...

401k retirement plans are special types of accounts, financed through pre-tax payroll deductions. The funds in your account are invested in various ways. Your funds can be invested through any number of stocks, mutual funds, and other ways, and it is not taxed on any capital gains or interest until the money is pulled out or withdrawn...

Bankruptcy often is the last ultimate solution for many debtors who have unbearable debts. With filing a bankruptcy, you will get rid of your debts instantly and relief you from the harassing call of your creditors...

1. Interest Backdating Most card issuers charge interest from the day a charge is posted to your account if you don¹t pay in full monthly. But, some charge interest from the date of purchase, days before they have even paid the store on your behalf! REMEDY: Find another card issuer, or always pay your bill in full by the due date...

Banking has never been easier than it is today. Online banking allows you to access your bank at any time of day or night. You can even do this dressed in your underwear if you like. And if you choose to do it that way, it’s just as well there are no lines to wait in for online banks...

Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard. Perhaps no other plants, individually, can have as great an impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to which I've linked below for information on particular varieties of flowering landscape trees...

Despite easier than ever access to personal finance services, there are still 3 million adults in the UK today who are completely outside the banking system, and don't have access to a bank account. Many of these people are unable to get a standard account because they have a poor credit score, either because of past financial difficulties or simply a lack of positive financial history...

Banking online can be a fantastic way to save you time and even money. Most large banks now offer online banking or online account access, and for the most daring: some banks are only available online...

1. First and foremost, ask yourself, “Do I even need a bankruptcy lawyer to file my case?” If your case is fairly straightforward, then chances are you can get a bankruptcy petition preparer to file your case for much less than the cost of hiring a lawyer...

Many people want to file bankruptcy the moment they realize they are in over their heads, and they feel like there is nothing they can do to get out of debt. Bankruptcy however, should be used as an absolute last resort- after all other options have been thoroughly researched and exhausted...

There is just no easy way to get out of debt, you have to face up to the consequences. A bankruptcy is not always the answer, as the effects are long lasting. There are four ways to handle debts that are out of control, listed in best to worst in regards to the effect it will have on your credit: If your credit isn't in terrible shape, can you reduce your other expenses, even if it means making hard choices or just change your lifestyle to fit your income? Some ways to do this: Alternatives: Selling the second car Pulling equity out of your home Applying for a non secured signature loan Obtaining a loan from a relative Selling your home and paying off your debts with the proceeds and then renting Cashing out your 401K/retirement benefits Selling family heirlooms, jewelry, etc… Filing Bankruptcy - Final Solution If your credit is already gone or one of the above isn't an option, go through Consumer Credit Counseling Services...

Copyright 2006 Geoff Gannon Valley National Bancorp (VLY) is a conservative bank with a strong position in northern New Jersey and a presence in Manhattan. The bank, founded in 1927, has about $12 billion in assets...

Copyright 2006 Geoff Gannon Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) is a huge Western and Midwestern bank that provides a diverse array of financial services to its more than 23 million customers. The company employs more than 150,000 people at its over 6,000 locations nationwide...

In the UK, many banks and building societies are attempting to capture a sizeable percentage of the online banking market share. And it seems that the UK consumers are benefiting from this competition most...